Packing Clothes for a Move: Wardrobe Boxes, Bags and Tips
How to pack clothes, shoes and bedding for a UK move using wardrobe boxes, vacuum bags and suitcases, keeping everything clean, creased less and easy to unpack.
Clothes are the easiest thing to pack and the easiest to get wrong. They are light, so people throw them into oversized bags, which then get dumped in a pile on arrival and need re-sorting from scratch. A little structure makes unpacking quick, and keeps your best clothes in good condition.
Decide what is going
Clothes are a good place for a cull. A quick method:
- Not worn in a year. Donate or sell.
- Does not fit. Same.
- Damaged or stained. Recycle as rags or textiles.
- Seasonal. Pack the off-season first.
Fewer items means fewer boxes, and fewer boxes mean a lower cost. Volume drives the quote.
Hanging clothes: wardrobe boxes
Wardrobe boxes have a rail across the top, so clothes travel on their hangers and come out ready to hang up.
- Use them for coats, dresses, shirts, suits and anything that creases.
- Keep clothes grouped by person or season.
- Do not overfill, since too many hangers can crush the fabric.
- Fold long dresses over the hanger to avoid dragging.
- Put shoes in the base of the box if there is room, wrapped in paper.
Typical wardrobe box rental or purchase is a modest cost, and some movers include them. Ask when you get a quote.
Alternatives to wardrobe boxes
If you do not have them, you can:
- Use strong bin bags over bundles of hangers, tied at the top and with the hook poking through.
- Fold into suitcases or holdalls.
- Use garment bags for suits and special clothing.
Folded clothes
Use standard or large boxes. Fold neatly, place rolled clothes tightly, and keep layers flat. Put heavier items such as jeans at the bottom, and lighter items on top. Do not overfill, as boxes should close without bulging.
Suitcases are ideal for clothes, since they are designed to be carried. Fill the gaps in them with socks and underwear, or small items of bedding.
Shoes
Pair them and stuff them with socks or paper to keep their shape. Wrap delicate shoes individually. Use a small or medium box, and put the heaviest on the bottom.
Bedding, towels and soft items
Pillows, duvets and cushions are bulky but light. Vacuum bags reduce volume significantly, so they save space in the van. Avoid vacuum-packing items that can be damaged by compression, such as down for long periods. Soft items also make good padding for fragile things, so they serve two purposes in the packing plan.
Labelling
Mark each box with the person, the room it is going to, and the contents. For example "Kids' room: winter coats". See how to label boxes for moving.
Keep a bag for the first days
Do not pack everything away. Set aside enough clothing for a few days, along with a towel, toiletries and nightwear. This forms part of the first night essentials box.
Moths and dampness
If the clothes will go into storage, wash them first and make sure they are dry. Use breathable containers rather than sealed plastic for long periods, and avoid damp spaces. See self-storage tips.
How many boxes?
For a typical adult, count one wardrobe box per 15 to 20 hanging items, and one standard box for each drawer's worth of folded clothing. For a household estimate, use the how many boxes guide.
A worked example
Take a couple moving out of a two-bed flat. Between them they have about 80 hanging items, a dozen pairs of shoes each, a few drawers of folded clothes and bedding for two beds. Five wardrobe boxes would take the hanging clothes, three or four medium boxes the folded items and shoes, and two vacuum bags the duvets and winter coats. That is about 10 containers in total, and the clothes come out ready to hang within an hour of arriving.
Quick decision table
| Item | Best container | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Suits, shirts, dresses | Wardrobe box or garment bag | Stays crease-free |
| Jeans, T-shirts, knitwear | Medium box or suitcase | Folds well, can be packed tightly |
| Shoes | Small or medium box | Keeps shape, prevents crushing |
| Duvets and pillows | Vacuum bag or large bag | Saves space |
| Delicates and special occasion wear | Garment bag with tissue | Prevents damage |
| Coats | Wardrobe box or folded in a box | Bulky, but can be compressed |
Washing and sorting
Wash and dry items before they go into a box. Damp clothing will smell musty or grow mould during a move or storage. If you are moving a long way, wash before the move so you do not need to do a big load on the first night.
Common mistakes
- Packing wet or damp clothes
- Overloading wardrobe boxes so that the rail bends
- Mixing shoes with clothing without wrapping
- Using black bin bags that look like rubbish and get left behind
- Forgetting to label by person and room
Children's clothes and growing wardrobes
Sort by size. Items that no longer fit can be donated or passed on, and the rest can be labelled by age or season. A clear bag for each child makes unpacking simple.
Special items
Wedding dresses, formal wear and delicate fabrics are best kept in a proper garment bag and hung in the car rather than the van. Leather and fur need breathable covers, never sealed plastic.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave clothes in drawers when moving?
Sometimes, with light chests, but movers may prefer drawers to be empty, or they may remove them. Heavy drawers are more likely to be damaged or to cause injury. Ask your mover.
Are vacuum bags worth it?
For bulky bedding and winter clothing, yes. They save space and are easy to stack.
How do I stop clothes creasing?
Use wardrobe boxes or garment bags for creasable items, and roll or fold with tissue between layers for the rest.
Can I use bin bags instead of wardrobe boxes?
Yes for a short move, if you use strong bags and keep the load light. Use clear or clearly labelled bags to avoid anything being thrown away by mistake.